Palazzetto Grasso

Baroque Soul, Ortigian Shore

Named Palazzetto Grasso in honor of the family who resided here for generations, this 1735 Baroque structure was thoughtfully restored by its architect-owner, Davide Rizzo, to preserve its architectural integrity. He infused the spaces with superior Italian craftsmanship, creating a timeless residence that feels both deeply rooted in Sicilian history and distinctly contemporary.

The kitchen and cabinets are made of high-quality walnut wood and finished with a lightly matte patina, in a color that subtly evokes the 1950s. The kitchen features a six-meter-long stainless steel countertop, with integrated sink and gas hobs. The long glass lamp above the countertop was made in Murano, Venice.

The old fireplace in the living room has been redesigned with a base of lava stone from Mount Etna. The large chandelier was designed by Rizzo and crafted by Gianni Seguso, one of the oldest glassworks in Murano.

The master bathroom was redesigned from scratch, with red marble throughout. Both washbasins in the bathrooms were carved from large blocks, one from lava stone and the other from Pietra di Modica.

The home’s connection to the sea is best experienced from the 80-square-meter rooftop terrace. Conceived as an outdoor living room, it offers views over the rooftops and the water beyond. This private escape is furnished for lounging and dining, and features a complete outdoor kitchen and barbecue, making it the perfect setting for enjoying Sicily’s warm, lingering evenings.

What we love

We spotted this latest project by architect Davide Rizzio and instantly fell for the creative and thoughtful restoration of this small palazzetto from 1735 in Ortiga, with the sea just two steps away. And, of course, we love the local craftmanship like the chandelier that was designed by Davide and crafted by Gianni Seguso, one of the oldest glassworks in Murano, Venice.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Ortigia, Sicily, sleeps up to four guests. The 150-square-meter home unfolds across several levels. From the stone-paved entrance, stairs lead to the main living quarters. The layout includes two bedrooms with raffia-clad walls, coconut fiber floors, and double beds, with two full bathrooms.

Good to know

This is a multi-level building with stairs and may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues. The palazzetto is located in the heart of Ortigia, a vibrant area with pedestrian foot traffic. Ortigia is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), and vehicle access is restricted; please confirm parking arrangements before arrival. The nearby chapel bells may add to the local ambiance.

Amenities

Washing machine, cleaning lady available, barbecue outdoor kitchen, car parking, central heating, indoor fireplace, hair dryer, air conditioning, Smart TV

Around

Once the ancient capital of Greece, Sicily’s south eastern port town of Siracusa is a significant archaeological and UNESCO destination with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo’s Temple and the Teatro Romana ruins. Its historic heart – the tiny island of Ortigia – is joined to the mainland by two bridges and is known for its Baroque palaces and churches and its maze of narrow medieval lanes that converge on the lovely Piazza Duomo and cathedral.

There are a number of city beaches nearby, with Ru Frati and its seafront bike path and park making an ideal destination for early morning or sunset ramblings. Further south, the pristine beaches and bays of Fontane Bianche, Cala Flies, Vendicari and the Pachino Marine Reserve offer some of the island’s best. The UNESCO site of Pantalica and the Cavagrande Cassibile reserve are perfect for day trekking, with deep canyons and natural lakes for swimming.

Nearby Noto is also a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning Baroque architecture and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa and Scicli, all reachable within an hour or so.